Mexico Borders: Authorities Commence $22 Billion Port Transformation to Enhance Nearshoring
Mexico is gearing up for a significant transformation in its logistics and infrastructure sector, with a whopping $39.5 billion investment plan over the next six years. The goal is to boost maritime competitiveness and capitalize on nearshoring opportunities.
One of the most ambitious initiatives is the $7.5 billion Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project aims to connect the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the country.
In the Pacific region, Manzanillo is undergoing expansion to become Latin America's largest port. The expansion aims to triple its capacity to 10 million twenty-foot equivalent units by 2030. Nearby, Lázaro Cárdenas is being developed as a multimodal hub with expanded customs and container infrastructure. Progreso will see expanded terminals and new rail connections tied to the Maya Train. Veracruz will receive a new breakwater and terminal space to attract private investment. Ensenada will undergo dock expansion and dredging to handle larger vessels.
On the Gulf side, Salina Cruz, Coatzacoalcos, and Progreso are also part of the investment plan. Salina Cruz will focus on liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, while Coatzacoalcos will enhance its petrochemical industry. Progreso, on the other hand, will benefit from the expansion of the Maya Train, a high-speed rail project connecting Mexico's major tourist destinations.
The investment covers not only ports but also modernized ports, double-stack rail lines, and new industrial complexes. For instance, the Dallas facility will process over 40 million reusable crates annually.
AH MANF, a Mexican-owned company founded in 2024, recently opened a $10 million plant in Saltillo, Mexico. The facility specializes in cutting, plasma and laser cutting, and bending metal components for domestic and international markets. The new plant creates 250 jobs and strengthens the metalworking industry in Coahuila. The inauguration was graced by General Motors, further boosting the state's economy.
IFCO, a provider of reusable packaging for fresh food, has also joined the bandwagon. They recently opened a 240,000-square-foot service center in Mesquite, Texas, employing over 100 workers.
The investment in Mexico's infrastructure is not just about economic growth. It's also about sustainability. By enhancing logistics, Mexico aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices in the transportation of goods. The new facilities will undoubtedly contribute to this goal, making Mexico a key player in the region's logistics sector.
